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Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has expressed his disdain for foreign agents attempting to meddle in Sierra Leone’s political affairs.
In a statement delivered on 3 July 3 2023, President Bio made it clear that international observers do not hold the authority to validate the outcome of the country’s elections.
He emphasized that neither he nor the head of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) has the power to determine election results, as the process is strictly defined by the country’s constitution.
The President addressed this matter during a meeting with civil society representatives at State House in Freetown, as part of his ongoing consultations with key interest groups following his declaration as the winner of the June 24 presidential elections. While local and regional observers deemed the election free and fair, Western observers criticized the ECSL for their handling of the results tabulation process.
The European Union Elections Observation Mission (EU EOM) was particularly vocal in their criticism, repeatedly accusing the ECSL of lacking transparency during the counting process. The United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Ireland also expressed concerns about the process in a joint statement released after the voting.
President Bio warned that the actions of these foreign agents have the potential to create confusion within Sierra Leone, a situation that the nation must guard against.
He emphasized that international observers have no right to validate their elections, drawing a comparison to how Sierra Leone did not interfere in the European Union or the United States during their own election-related issues.
Referring to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, President Bio stated, “We didn’t say their democracy was being attained with guns.”
He highlighted the need for Sierra Leone to stand firm and correct any misrepresentation by reminding the international community that it is the constitution, not the chairman of the ECSL, that determines the counting of results.
According to ECSL figures, President Bio secured the presidency with 56.17 percent of the votes, narrowly defeating his main rival, Dr. Samura Kamara. However, Kamara’s party, the All People’s Congress (APC), rejected the results, alleging electoral fraud and lack of transparency in the result tabulation process. They called for a re-run of the election and vowed not to participate in the country’s governance if their demands were not met.
President Bio maintained that the appropriate procedures were followed in reaching the election results and urged the international community to respect Sierra Leone’s constitutional process.
In the past week since his declaration as the winner, President Bio has engaged with various groups, including tribal leaders, religious figures, and farmers, to foster unity and address concerns.
During the meeting with civil society representatives, President Bio acknowledged the critical role they play in promoting democracy. He acknowledged the nature of their job, which sometimes involves being critical, and emphasized the importance of finding common ground for the betterment of Sierra Leone.
Reflecting on his election victory, President Bio attributed his success to his tireless campaign efforts and his commitment to engaging with the voters.
He stated, “We didn’t take anything for granted. We didn’t take the people for granted, and we also used the campaign as a tool and means by which we can know the living conditions of the people.”
President Bio highlighted his government’s achievements during his first term, including a 60 percent reduction in maternal mortality, increased access to energy from 17 percent to over 35 percent, and an improvement in life expectancy from 53 to 61 years for Sierra Leoneans. He emphasized that these efforts have earned Sierra Leone respect and admiration from the international community.
Nevertheless, President Bio cautioned against those within the international community who seek to sow confusion, emphasizing that their actions serve their own interests rather than the interests of the Sierra Leonean people. He urged the nation to remain vigilant in safeguarding their sovereignty and democratic process.
A criminal like Bio thinks he would act tough to anyone. He rigged the elections and he’s not a legitimate president.
The International community is a crook
No foreign interference, No foreign aid, & No foreign travels
This is madness to the highest degree, the international community has always played this role and had never been discredited as in this illegitimate regime. That’s a manifestation on how far this illegitimate regime can go to clamp down on critiques ( the bedrock to democracy).
Dear President Julious Masada,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Joseph Bio, and I am writing to express my concerns and criticisms regarding your presidency and biography.
Firstly, I find that your biography lacks transparency and depth. As a citizen, I am eager to know more about your background, achievements, and qualifications that make you suitable for the highest office in our country. A detailed account of your past experiences, education, and any significant contributions would instill confidence and trust amongst the populace.
Furthermore, it appears that your presidency has been plagued by a lack of transparency and accountability. Important decisions seem to have been made without proper consultation or explanation to the public. This undermines the democratic principles that our nation holds dear and erodes the trust that should exist between the government and its citizens.
Additionally, I am disappointed by the economic policies and priorities of your administration. Despite promises of positive change and development, I have witnessed an increase in unemployment rates and worsening living conditions for many citizens. It is imperative that our political leaders prioritize creating job opportunities and implementing effective economic policies that benefit all segments of society, rather than a select few.
Furthermore, your government’s handling of social issues and human rights concerns is disheartening. Reports of corruption, human rights violations, and discrimination continue to mar your presidency. It is essential that you show dedication and commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Lastly, I feel that your leadership has lacked the necessary charisma and inspiration to motivate the nation towards progress. As the president, it is vital for you to rally the nation around a common purpose, vision, and set of values. However, I have observed a lack of effective communication and leadership, which has led to a sense of apathy and disillusionment among the population.
In conclusion, President Julious Masada, I urge you to reflect on these criticisms and take proactive steps to address them. Transparency, accountability, economic development, social justice, and effective leadership should be at the forefront of your agenda. Only then can we hope to see positive change and progress for our nation.
Yours sincerely,
Joseph Bio
Hey!! By the way, in 2018 Salone relied on the international community for a smooth electoral process to transfer power to him. He did not have complains then. Suddenly, the international community to whom his bern flying nearly monthly is now the evil to destroy Salone. Height of hypocrisy & sycophancy!!
Bio isn’t okay 😂 without international donors and partners how can you run your illegitimate government 😞
Justice will prevail in sierra leone
Those who are in favor of the international community why can’t they talk to the same so call international community to come and put things straight here in America where former President Trumps is still crying foul. Instead they went to Africa to flex their muscles. It is a shame to all those people that clamoring for the international community since they continue to exist they have not done anything thing good across the globe.
President Bio, speaks the interest of the country, im fully convince with his plain words
The reckless and illigetimate president will soon understand what is A.
Now he is so confused and full of bad advice by his tribes men.
He was not the chief electoral commissioner, so why the senseless talk
I wonder sometimes the the utterances of some idiotic Sierra Leoneans. Who do you think will suffer if the becomes tough? It allnof us and not even Bio. Afterwards he has made it. Why certain evils persons always wish their country bad. If the nation goes worst who do you think suffers? The answer is all of us will suffer. Has any one ever being asked of his or her name in the market when he or she goes for shopping so that price of commodities will fall? No. So if Salone is sweet all of us will enjoy and if it the reverse all of will suffer. I woder what would jave happened if it were APC strong hold that was nullified in 2007 by Christiana Thurpe. It would have been the end of the world. Tell me if there is any straight country in the world when it comes to election ? The international community you people are shoiting with are even more crooked when it comes to elections especially the US. Almost all of their elections have been rigged.
Thanks to the international community
Time Will tell. The husk will be removed from the rice soon. The international community is preparing the antidote for this diseases that are threatening us. Hail Mama Salone. Wish you quick recovery from the hands of this dirty politicians.
His excellence president Bio if you listen to the noise of the macket you wil not buy take your stand and lead mother Sierra Leone to the Best of your knowledge
My name is Joseph Bio,, am here to rectify why the international community should intervane in our politics in sierra Leone,
The international community may choose to intervene in Sierra Leonean politics for several reasons:
1. Human rights violations: If there are widespread human rights abuses and violations of fundamental freedoms in Sierra Leone, such as arbitrary arrests, torture, or restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly, the international community may feel compelled to intervene to protect the rights and well-being of the Sierra Leonean people.
2. Conflict resolution: Sierra Leone has a history of civil war and political instability. If internal conflicts or political disputes arise that threaten the peace and stability of the country, the international community may intervene to mediate negotiations, support peacebuilding efforts, and prevent a return to violence.
3. Electoral transparency and fairness: If there are concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Sierra Leone, such as allegations of fraud or irregularities, the international community may intervene to ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. This intervention could include providing electoral observation missions, technical assistance, or advocating for reforms.
4. Economic development and poverty reduction: Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world, with limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education. The international community can intervene to support economic development initiatives, provide aid and financing, and help alleviate poverty in the country.
5. Regional stability: Sierra Leone’s political stability not only affects its own citizens but also has implications for the wider region. If Sierra Leone’s internal political situation poses a threat to regional stability, tackles transnational issues like terrorism, illicit arms trade, or refugee crises, the international community may intervene to mitigate these risks and protect neighboring countries.
However, it is important to note that the decision to intervene in a country’s politics is a complex and sensitive matter. Any intervention should respect Sierra Leone’s sovereignty, engage with the government, and prioritize the opinions and desires of the Sierra Leonean people.